As I sit and write this, we are still in the month of March, and whilst we are now well under way with the Season of Lent, in the background I have the television on with the annual Commonwealth Day celebration from Westminster Abbey.
What is so striking about this service in this solemn and penitential season, the colours of the 56 Commonwealth Country flags, and the traditional dress of many from around the Commonwealth are simply stunning. Even Sir Chris Hoy, who is one of the invited guests is looking resplendent in his blue and green kilt.
There are musicians with all kinds of instruments, providing a cacophony of beautiful, familiar and strange sounds. The Abbey is filled with people of all ages, traditions, faiths, nationalities and of course, members of the Royal Family, including the King, Queen and Prince & Princess of Wales.
The singer Joan Armatrading, herself born in St Kitts in the Caribbean, and who would be singing during the event, when interviewed before the service, said that the occasion was a celebration of Love, friendship and inclusivity.
There is a stunning mix of traditional hymns, pop songs and cultural music and dances. The enthusiasm of those taking part just brings a smile to the face.
In his opening words, the Dean of Westminster talked about unity, service and the common good. But the most important word I feel he used was HOPE. In a world which often seems hopeless and quite frankly, down right frightening in it’s future, HOPE is a much needed commodity. As I watch this colourful, vibrant and service, with all its diversity, I am filled with a re-inforced sense of HOPE.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa read the bible passage from St Pauls 1st letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12.
“Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the gifts of the Spirit for the common good”. .
The theme of the Commonwealth service this year is “Together We Thrive”, and it was It was uplifting and joyful to see representatives of many faiths praying together for peace, unity, reconciliation and togetherness. Because when we come together, we are stronger, our prayers are stronger, our resolve is stronger, our hope is stronger, our faith is stronger. And when we are strong, the oppressors, the dictators, the persecutors become weaker.
This is the essence of the Easter Story. That light overcomes the darkness, and faith and hope shine brightly.
Wishing you and yours a Very Blessed Easter.
With Love and Blessings, Rev Mandy Xx